Group spirit thrives

THE spirit of community groups and volunteering was highlighted last week in the Yarra Ranges.
Individuals, community groups and local students were presented with the shire’s Australia Day awards in recognition of their work in the community, environment, heritage and the arts.
Mayor Monika Keane said the work of this year’s recipients and their contributions to the community was to be applauded.
Montrose Township Group was awarded the Community Group of the Year after forming a little more than 12 months ago.
Committee president Rob Earney said the award was an honour that not only paid tribute to the individual committee members but to those who supported the group.
The group has produced a three-year business plan and held a successful community ideas day.
Its mission statement is “to unite those who live, work and play in Montrose into a safe, prosperous and joyful community”.
Mr Earney said the group’s success and the Australia Day award were made possible by the continued support of the shire and Walling Ward councillor, Len Cox.
“With the support from the shire, the Montrose community has made it possible to forge ahead,” he said.
An inspiration to young people was the Young Citizen of the Year, Jessie Alley, of Belgrave.
Jessie is only 15 years old, but she has shown age beyond her years with her commitment to mental health care.
Following her involvement in 2003 in the shire’s eight-week Paying Attention To Self (PATS) program for young people with a parent with a mental illness, Jessie expressed a strong interest in learning more about families in the same situation as herself. She has since become an advocate for young people and families who have experienced mental illness.
Accepting her award, Jessie said that it was unexpected. She said during her involvement with the PATS program, she had many unforgettable experiences with young people in similar situations.
Also receiving Australia Day honours was Badger Creek Primary School for the Ken McIntosh Young Environmental Achiever of the Year, Malcolm Calder for the inaugural Ian de la Rue Community Leadership Award, and Valda Woodman for the Citizen of the year.